Local government elections will be held on September 14, 2024.

As part of our series featuring Wollongong's candidates for Lord Mayor, Independent candidate Suzanne de Vive answers questions.

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I have a strong corporate background. I’ve coached executives from major Australian companies in structure and strategy, helping them to solve complex problems and develop sustainable solutions. Returning to university part-time, I now hold a Diploma in Town Planning and am completing a BA in Community Planning, driven by my passion for sustainable development. I’m currently self-employed.

I’ve been involved in local singing groups and was part of the Wollongong Messiah Choir that performed at the Sydney Opera House. I volunteered as a Workforce Deployment Team Leader during the UCI World Championships, helping showcase Wollongong to the world. I also belong to a mindfulness community headed by Dr Adele Stewart of Woonona.

As a grandmother of four, I’m committed to leaving a thriving world for the next generation.

Why are you the best person to be Wollongong’s next Lord Mayor?

I want to listen to my community and hear what they have to say.

I bring a blend of practical experience, community engagement, and a forward-thinking vision. My background in both the corporate sector and not for profit work has taught me how to balance strategic decision-making with addressing local issues.

What sets me apart is my commitment to innovative, environmentally conscious development, which led me to write Power Suburbs. This book outlines Australian-focused solutions that accelerates our transition to renewable energy, while preserving our local environment. I’m passionate about fostering growth that benefits all residents, from families to local businesses, while avoiding large-scale foreign projects like offshore wind farms that threaten our ecosystems.

My deep connection to the community, business expertise, and studies in planning and sustainability make me the right person to lead Wollongong into a vibrant, resilient future.

What would be your top priorities if elected to the city’s top job?

Please see powersuburbs.com.au for full details

1. Protecting Our Natural Environment

2. Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition with Primarily Rooftop Solar, Not Big Wind

3. Consulting with Local Business to Support Economic Growth & Job Creation

4. Boosting Tourism and Events

5. Engaging the Community in Decision-Making

If you could deliver one key project in your first term, what would it be?

Establish a flagship "Power Suburb" in Wollongong, embodying the ideas from peer-reviewed research in my book Power Suburbs and inspired by Positive Energy Districts in Europe that generate more energy, largely from solar, than they consume within their existing footprint and contributing surplus to the grid, eliminating the need to expand into and exploit natural ecosystems.

Why do you want the job?

I’m passionate about protecting Wollongong’s unique environment – our stunning beaches, our beautiful escarpment, and our vibrant community. I’m deeply concerned about divisive issues. I’m committed to a collaborative approach where all voices are heard, and we find solutions that benefit both residents and our environment.

What's your stance on the Illawarra's energy transition?

Please see powersuburbs.com.au

The government’s 7-year delay in offshore wind becoming operational has slowed action and allowed for new and expanded fossil-fuel projects and increased fossil-fuel subsidies.

We are the sunniest continent on the planet. Offshore wind might be best for Denmark, which has only half of Australia’s average solar irradiance, but it’s not the best solution for us. Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) in Europe, even with 40% less average solar irradiance, successfully supply all the energy needs for their districts and contribute surplus energy to the grid. Given our higher solar advantage, investigating these PEDs would have been a more logical approach for our politicians than visiting Denmark’s wind farms, highlighting that Labor’s plan wasn’t fully researched.

The Illawarra can be a trailblazer for a faster, smarter transition. We don’t need to sacrifice our natural habitats or delay progress. We can show the world that energy production within our existing footprint while conserving the environment is not only possible but is also the key to a truly sustainable future.

Meet Wollongong's mayoral candidates

Tania Brown – Labor

Jess Whittaker – Greens

Andrew Anthony – Independent

Suzanne de Vive – Independent

Ryan Morris – Independent